Cindy Friedman, one of three vying for the 4th Middlesex state Senate seat, submitted her nomination papers Tuesday, May 16, to the state secretary of state’s office. The nomination signatures were accepted and registered, officially placing Friedman’s name on the ballot.
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Friedman praised the strong volunteer efforts that placed her well over the threshold number of signatures needed to get on the ballot. “Thank you to my volunteers and the more than 500 people who signed my nomination papers. I’m excited to be officially running for the 4th Middlesex state senate seat,” Friedman said.
Campaign Cochair Clarissa Rowe added in a May 19 news release: “We are thrilled that Cindy is officially on the ballot. Her experience and understanding of the issues facing the 4th Middlesex and her commitment to serving the public will make her a wonderful and effective senator.”
Joined NAMI walk
A strong advocate for reforming the state’s system of mental health care, Friedman attended the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) walk on Mother’s Day alongside NAMI Massachusetts President Tom Scurfield and Boston Chair Steve Rosenfeld. The NAMI walk, occurring during Mental Health Month, seeks to raise awareness of mental illness, fight stigma and provide support for families throughout the nation.
In response to the turnout, Friedman said: “It was heartening to see so many people stepping up to address the stigma of mental illness at the NAMI walk. As state senator, I will fight to improve mental healthcare accessibility to ensure that all those who suffer from mental illness are able to get the help and care they need.”
Working alongside Senator Ken Donnelly for the past nine years, Friedman has helped those with severe mental illness and substance use disorder get access to critical services. She has put pressure on insurance companies to ensure parity of treatment, and fought to divert those individuals away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate care. Donnelly died in April.
Also expected to be on the ballot are state Rep. Sean Garballey of Arlington and Mary Ann Stewart of Lexington.
The special election primary for state Senate for the 4th Middlesex District is scheduled for Tuesday, June 27. The 4th Middlesex includes Arlington, Billerica, Burlington, Woburn and precincts 1, 2 and 4 through 7 in Lexington.
Friedman’s website | Facebook site
May 11, 2017: Kaufman, Donnelly kin among 125 launching Friedman campaign
May 5, 2017: Donnelly family endorses Friedman for state Senate
April 13, 2017: Garballey announces run, as Friedman leans toward seat
April 8, 2017: 200 firefighters honor Donnelly at Town Hall before wake
This news announcement was published Friday, May 19, 2017.
